Geoffrey Macdonell Coley M.D.

1926 - 2016

Geoffrey Macdonell Coley, MD, died peacefully at home in Hartford on March 30, 2016 after a long illness. Dr. Coley was born in New York City on December 28, 1926 to Bradley Lancaster Coley, MD, an oncologic surgeon and his wife, Phyllis. His grandfather was William B. Coley, MD, a prominent surgeon who conducted early investigations that led to future understanding of the role of the immune system in cancer. Dr. Coley graduated from St. Paul's School, Yale College and Harvard Medical School. He served in the US Navy medical corps. After completing his surgical training at Boston City Hospital and Peter Bent Brigham Hospitals, he was a highly regarded and beloved surgeon at the Hartford Hospital for over 35 years. He was a volunteer surgeon on the hospital ship HOPE during its stay in Conakry Guinea in West Africa. This experience shaped his belief in the potential for physicians and health care workers of all backgrounds to work harmoniously. Dr. Coley was a passionate fly fisherman who spent close to 50 years in pursuit of salmon in Canada. Another favorite locale was Block Island, RI where he had a home. He leaves his beloved wife Kathleen (McDermott) Coley, his three children, Christopher Coley, MD and his wife Diane, Susan Coley, and Peter Coley and wife Sandrine, and his three grandchildren, Alex, Sam and Juliette. He also leaves two brothers, Peter and William and their families and was dearly loved by his stepchildren and stepgrandchildren. He was predeceased by his late wife, Mary Smythe Coley, MD, and his daughter Elizabeth. A memorial service will be held in late spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Coley's memory may be made to Christ Church Cathedral "Church Street Eats" program, 45 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103 or churchstreeteats@cccathedral.org. Doolittle Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. To share memories or send condolences to the Coley family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.